Why could we once become friends simply by sitting next to someone, while now even arranging coffee takes three weeks of messages? Have friendships changed—or have our schedules, expectations and willingness to take a chance? Join Chris, an IELTS instructor and communication coach whose clubs are always full of laughter and interaction, for a discussion about adult friendship and why making friends can feel harder as we get older. Friendship gives us companionship, support and a sense of belonging, yet US surveys show adults reporting fewer close friends than in previous decades. We’ll explore what gets lost when friendship becomes something we squeeze in around everything else.

Together, we’ll compare friendships built in classrooms and shared afternoons with those we try to grow between work, relationships and competing responsibilities. Do we become more selective, more guarded—or simply lose the repeated, unplanned time that once brought us close? What turns a pleasant acquaintance into someone you can call when life goes wrong? Through stories, playful questions and lively interaction, we’ll discuss effort, vulnerability and the awkwardness of being the first to say, “Let’s hang out.” Whether you have a close circle, want new connections or feel unsure where to begin, you’re welcome. Expect laughter, recognition and a meaningful conversation about a part of life too important to leave entirely to chance.

为什么以前只要坐得近就能变成朋友，现在约个咖啡却要发三个礼拜的消息？是友谊变了——还是我们的日程、期待，还有愿不愿意冒个险的心态变了？跟着 Chris 来聊一场讨论吧。他是雅思老师，也是沟通教练，活动一向都是笑声和互动拉满。这次聊成年人的友谊，以及为什么越长大越觉得交朋友难。友谊给我们陪伴、支持和归属感，但美国的调查显示，成年人报告的亲密朋友数量比前几十年少了。我们会聊聊，当友谊变成要在其他所有事之间硬挤出来的东西时，到底丢了什么。

我们会一起比较在教室里、一起度过的下午里长出来的友谊，和在工、感情和一堆互相打架的责任之间试着养出来的友谊。是我们变得更挑了、更防着了——还是只是失去了那种重复的、没计划的时间，而那种时间以前会把我们拉近？是什么让一个聊得挺开心的熟人，变成那个生活出问题时你可以打电话的人？通过故事、好玩的问题和热闹的互动，我们会聊努力、脆弱，还有第一个开口说“我们约一下吧”的那种尴尬。不管你已经有一个很close的圈子，还是想要新的连接，或者不知道从哪开始，都欢迎来。会有笑声、有共鸣，也会有一场有意义的聊天，聊生活里一个太重要、不能完全交给运气的事。